History Of Brickwork In Toronto

The history of brickwork in Toronto is vast, with some incredibly old buildings still standing in proof today. Toronto has no dry season, it rains and snows and temperatures are known to fluctuate throughout the year between 20 degrees F and 81+ degrees F (on average).

Our varied weather makes Toronto feel like home but it also adds an increased amount of stress and strain on buildings. For this reason, architecture has been specially formulated in Toronto to stand up to the challenge. Brick is one of the strongest building materials available, capable of keeping out the heat and cold as well as water and other damaging elements. This is why many of the oldest buildings in Toronto still standing today are made of brick. (Read More)

The History Of Toronto

In 1750, the first European settlement near modern day Toronto sprung up as a French trading fort known as Fort Rouillé. Yet, long before European settlement began a number of native peoples called this land home. The first major influx of Europeans coming to Canada was sparked after United Empire Loyalists fled the U.S. during and after the American Revolution. By 1793, Toronto was officially known as ‘York,’ and named the capital of the new colony of Upper Canada. It wasn’t until 1834 that Toronto became known by its modern day name.

Throughout the nineteenth century Toronto continued to grow, surpassing Montreal to become the largest city in Canada, as well as the economic capital of the country. What every leading city needs is strong infrastructure, something Toronto is known for.

The Changing Face Of Brickwork in Toronto Over The Years

Toronto’s oldest buildings are fascinating and full of history, some are log cabins and others are brick masterpieces. Looking around Toronto it is easy to see how much things have changed over the years, as old buildings stand tall beside newer or more updated construction. Miss-matched houses and businesses highlight architectural and brickwork changes over the years. Some people have chosen to update their homes in ways that pay tribute to modern heritage, while other homes are going for a more modern appeal, ditching all signs of the past.

Ornate brickwork in Toronto such as ‘flared lintels,’ gently curved archways located above windows and doors, have become more popular over the years, as well as mansard roofs with decorative slate shingles. While brickwork and overall construction design has changed considerably since the early days, it also remains largely the same.

Culture has a lot of emphasis on how a neighborhood changes over time. For instance, the National Post reports that many Italian families move in and remove brickwork in exchange for angel-stone. While some people see this as removing the history, others argue that 50 years from now historians and city officials may work to protect this angel-stone. (Read More)

Toronto’s Oldest Buildings

Since we are focusing on the history of brickwork in Toronto here is a look at a couple of the oldest brick buildings still standing today.

The Campbell House: The beautiful brick house located in downtown Toronto was built by Chief Justice Sir William Campbell and his wife Hannah back in 1822. At the time the large home was built the family’s children had already grown up and become adults, and the Campbell’s were well established enough to afford such a grand home. The house is built in traditional Georgian era style using what is known as Palladian architecture.

The Campbell house was used as a private residence until 1890 when it was turned into an industrial warehouse for several businesses. Interestingly, the house once sat nearly an entire mile from where it is today. The move was a big event with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother opening the restored and relocated structure on April 1, 1972.

Today you can still visit this incredible piece of history. It is used as a clubhouse for the Advocates Society and is also a historic home museum open for tours.

The Grange:The Grange home is another example of Georgian style architecture. It stands as the oldest brick house and the 12th oldest surviving building in all of Toronto. The Grange was built in 1817 for prominent society member D’Arcy Boulton. A few generations of the Boulton family called the place home until 1910 when it was donated to the Art Museum of Toronto, which is known today as the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Today, the original house has been added onto several times. All restorations and additions have been carefully applied as to keep the original aspects of the home in place. The Grange was designated a National Historic Site in Canada in 1970.